Newsletter No. 287 – June/July 2016athertonaeroclub.org/.../2016/...287-JuneJuly-2016.pdfJune/July 2016 No 287 The Atherton Aero lub is an organization of aviation enthusiasts who

June/July 2016 No 287

The Atherton Aero Club is an organization of aviation enthusiasts who promote the sport of aircraft building and flying.

The organization is associated with Recreation Aviation Australia Inc. The Club meets at Atherton Airport

every third Sunday of the month. Food and drinks are available and visitors are most welcome.

Newsletter No. 287 – June/July 2016

The continuing adventures of Dave

(Someone has to do it!)

June/July 2016 2 No 287

PRESIDENTS REPORT—

Hello everyone,

With some good and not so good weather we have all been flying when we can.

I have included in the magazine our trip to Tasmania.

Since getting home from that trip we have been to the Old Station Fly-in, Bowen for the day to watch the Open Water racing boats, and Innisfail for a wonderful breakfast.

The Club house is just about up and running.

Thanks to a small few who offer their time and skills it is looking fantastic with the painting finished. The power, lights etc will be completed and the sink and taps connected before the weekend. The priority is to get the weather station back up and running, the sponsors boards up on the wall and the gardens finished.

We would like to hold the official opening in the next few months. If anyone is interested we will be having drinks Friday nights. We will also be having a club meeting on Sunday the 21st August so come along and en-joy the lunch afterwards, catch up with fellow aviators and talk the talk.

There are a few upcoming events.

NQ Aero Club have their annual spot landing this weekend I encourage you all to come along and have a go test your skills on landing close to the line.

Ingham Fly in and Italian Festival.

Mackay fly in and Air show.

Hope to see you all at our next meeting

Safe Flying

Dave Graham, President

President David Graham PO Box 425 TOLGA Q 4882 0407 008 896 [email protected]

Vice-President Ian Graham PO Box 858 ATHERTON Q 4883 0419 703 926 [email protected]

Secretary Tracey Hayes PO Box 608 KURANDA Q 4881 0418 963 796 [email protected]

Treasurer Jon Collins PO Box 1360 ATHERTON Q 4883 0438 634 411 [email protected]

Atherton Aero Club - Committee Contacts

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


EDITOR’S NOTE - by Bill Gronbeck

Hello and welcome to Newsletter No 287. In this issue—photos from Dave & Connie’s Tassie

Trip, some interesting links and more on local pilots and their aircraft,

A thank you to Dave, Bob, Tracey and those others who contributed to this edition.

Please contact me with your newsletter contributions on any of the following: (07) 4036

2868 or 0408 073 142 or by email at - [email protected]

Readers comments (constructive) and suggestions regarding newsletter content are most

welcome. Better still—write an article yourself on any aviation related subject that you con-

sider will be of interest to other flyers..

Watch the AAC’s Facebook Page and Website for the latest on coming events.

Web Page http://www.athertonaeroclub.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AthertonAeroClub?ref=hl

Regards and safe flying.

Atherton Aerodrome Parking and Keep Clear Areas

Pilots of Visiting Aircraft Please Note


CORPORATE SPONSORS

SPONSORS—WE WANT YOUR COMPANY LOGO FOR INCLUSION

IN THE CLUB NEWSLETTER. Contact Editor Bill Gronbeck.


DAVE AND CONNIE’S TASSIE HOLIDAY in Glasair II Super RG VH-JBB

Connie and I had been planning a trip to Tassie for ages and finally with flight plan complete,

aircraft checked and some time off from the office we were keen to get away.

So with everything set the only thing we can’t control is the weather and yep the morning we

plan to head off the sky is grey, Clouds are low and there is rain.

We managed to get away from Atherton around 9.30 and headed north then west looking for

some clear skies but we were met with walls of rain and solid clouds.

So first stop on our journey….. Mareeba…. Where we ended up having lunch, coffee and

chatting at the NQ Aero Club……

With the forecast saying clearing showers it took till 1300 before we managed to get airborne

where I was happy enough with the conditions. Heading west then south to Emerald the

weather cleared up in no time. Landed at Emerald, refuelled and toilet break and back on

track as quick as we could, heading for Morella Station where our daughter and son in law live

on a cotton farm. Landing just before last light we tied her down and spent the next couple of

days on the farm catching up, quad bike and horse riding too.

Next leg took us to Maitland where we had breakfast with our other daughter and her partner.

With life vests on, we then flew to Sydney via the Harbour scenic 1 route via Long Reef, Pitt

Water Bridge and east of the Harbour Bridge and North of the Opera House. Two orbits at

1,500 then back to Manly and descend into Victor 1 Southbound at 500ft past Sydney and all

the beaches, Botany Bay and down to Cronulla. That would have to be one of the most enjoya-

ble flights we have done. Clear skies blue calm Ocean, We could not have asked for a better

day. Landing at Wollongong we refuelled, had a look around at the wonderful museum of a

Catalina and Boeing 747 just to name a few. We then flew coastal right down the east coast

around through Sale and into Warragul at a private airstrip where we stayed with friends for a

couple of days catching up with family also.

After a nice break we took off to head over that cold dark water for Tassie, With life vests on

and over water skeds, we flew over Wilsons Prom, Deal Island over Flinders and along the

north east corner of Tassie and into Launceston. After landing we were greeted by the airport

operations and security officer. He showed up where to tie down then drove us with our gear

to the car rental company. He gave us his card so we could contact him when we wanted to re-

turn. I recommend Launceston airport to fly into. Great service and people.

Continued


DAVE AND CONNIE’S TASSIE HOLIDAY (Continued)

Woolongong

Flinders Island

Tamar River Launceston



This started the road trip where we took off in a rental exploring Tassie, Staying at Connie’s Un-

cle’s place we headed up to Beaconsfield and to a Sea Horse farm…From Launceston up to

Georgetown then back to Bridport for the Night. Next day down to Scottsdale and then lunch

at St Helens. We continued down the east coast stopping at little cheese factories, Winery’s

and Oyster Stalls. The food is amazing. Staying the night at a B & B in Swansea. The next day we

did some sea kayaking in perfect conditions. We walked up to the lookout at Wine Glass Bay

for a spectacular view. Then drove to Richmond which is a historic town just out from Hobart.

There we stayed at a B & B Winery for two nights. We headed off early the next morning for

Bruny Island where you go over on a ferry. Bit overcast and cold that day but a great place to

visit and sample some great smoked food, chocolate and yep fresh oysters and lots of them.

Hobart is a beautiful city surrounded by hills looking down on the Harbour and Derwent River.

We went to the Salamanca Market and explored the old buildings and bars. We then headed

up the middle of Tassie past the great lakes which were very low due to lack of rain but pretty

all the same. Visited some caves and ended the day at Cradle Mountain. The next morning we

climbed up to Marion’s lookout, again we had perfect weather with some great photo oppor-

tunities. We then drove to Stanley for the night in a little cottage that used to be the bakery,

and climbed the Nut..

Rain and wind woke us early but did not slow us down on our last day through Burnie, Devon-

port and Deloraine before we ended up back in Launceston.

Next morning we had fine conditions to fly to King Island. Landing there a fellow pilot came

over to say hi, and offered us his car for the day to look around. What great people there. King

Island is lush green and beautiful. We then headed to Cape Otway and then west past the

Apostles and the sand stone cliffs before climbing and turning to Echuca for the night.

Next morning we flew to Morella Station again via Narrabri for the night, then the next day

Emerald, and back home to Atherton.

We flew approximately 3,500 miles and spent 22 hours in JBB

We had a wonderful holiday, and we can’t wait to go back to Tasmania to see more of what we

missed.



Launceston Hobart



The Nut, Stanley

King Island

Echuca

Tassie North Coast

The Twelve Apostles

Just a few of the MANY photos

from Dave & Connie’s trip


An excellent turnout of aircraft considering the so-so weather on the Tableland. A few drove

but many were able to fly in to the breakfast provided by Lloyd English and his Innisfail help-

ers. There was much catching up with friends and inspecting of aeroplanes. Ron Watson’s

new Pipistrel Alpha Trainer that had arrived the previous day generated quite a bit of interest.

Thanks again Lloyd for a great morning.

INNISFAIL BREAKFAST FLY-IN

More photos

next page


INNISFAIL BREAKFAST FLY-IN

Above & Right:

Cockpit and external

views of Ron Watson’s

Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

New Kid On The Block

The Alpha Trainer


OVERSTRESSING OF AIRFRAMES

A repeat of the excellent article recently posted on the AAC FaceBook webpage. Not only

applicable to high performance type aircraft.

http://airfactsjournal.com/2016/06/airframe-failure-not-just-v-tails/


PILOTS & THEIR AEROPLANES

An occasional look at what our local flyers and builders are up to.

9. Karl Burch

Karl’s current helicopter is an

ex-Canadian Military Kiowa.

Most people would be famil-

iar with his previous ma-

chine—a Kawasaki licence

built version of the bubble

canopied Bell 47 of MASH

fame. Karl has also at differ-

ent times flown such fixed

wing types as the Cherokee

Six, Cessna C172 and

Lightwing ultralight.


ELECTRONIC ALTIMETERS

Electronic Altimeters as a replacement to the standard mechanical Pressure Altimeters.

A follow on to the Altimeters Failure article in Newsletter No 286.

Replacing a failed altimeter in a recreational aircraft with something reliable and affordable is

a real problem. Replacements are just not around and many owners have been forced to buy

a much more expensive (but reliable) type. We are talking big bucks with that option.

A number of electronic alternatives are now on the market and, on paper at least, have many

additional and useful features. These electronic replacements are available in various combi-

nations - as a dedicated altimeter or airspeed indicators or both in the one instrument. They

do however require electrical power, not really a problem unless you are having a really bad

day. Local Jabiru owner Danny has recently fitted an electronic altimeter (photo below) to his

aircraft, So far it has performed flawlessly. We will keep you informed if any issues arise.


MENMEN

ATAT

WORKWORK Jack and Ian working on the inside finish of the AAC storage shed

MURPHY’S LAW IS ALIVE AND WELL

(What can go wrong will go wrong)

Even when pilots do the right thing a situation can still arise where, through the unfortunate

timing of a radio frequency change, relevant traffic information broadcasts are missed.

The following link to ATSB Air Safety Investigation Report AO-2016-017 details the circum-

stances surrounding a near-miss incident that occurred near King Island in February 2016:

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-017/

An examination of the ATSB Final Report reveals a typical situation where aircraft arriving

and departing from an aerodrome make all the recommended radio calls but still manage to

have a near-miss. The report acknowledges the need for continued research into procedures

at uncontrolled aerodromes.

A TIMELY REMINDER THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO LOOK OUT AS WELL AS LISTEN OUT.


Our next get-together will take place on SUNDAY the 21st AUGUST

commencing 10:30 am and followed by a BBQ lunch .

Venue: The Club’s STORAGE FACILITY, Atherton Airport.

See you there.

ATHERTON AERO CLUB MONTHLY BBQ

FOR SALE

Engine Storage/Fogging Oil

Sta-Bil Fogging Oil & Cylinder Protector 340g aerosol cans

2 Cans surplus to requirements available at $20 each (Normally only available in

batches of six).

Contact Bill Gronbeck 0408 073 142 or Drew Parker [email protected]


NORTH QUEENSLAND NEWS

NQAC 2016 NORSHIP AIR RACE

A great day had by all who participated in the 2016 Norship Air Race. The change to a more weather friendly inland route saw the thirteen competing aircraft tracking west from Maree-ba to a turning point over Torwood Station, then back east for an intermediate stop at Mount Garnet before the final leg back to Mareeba. Competition was keen with only a few points separating the top four places.

Congratulations to winner John Buljubasich piloting his aircraft, Piper Cherokee VH-WMR. John still hasn’t stopped smiling.

2016 Norship Air Race—Competitors, Friends and Ground Crew

The cooks at work

Pre air race breakfast

Rest stop Mt Garnet


NORTH QUEENSLAND NEWS & EVENTS

2016 SPOT LANDING COMPETITION

Its on again. Mark Sunday the 7th August on your flying calendar.

Atherton August 2014


Chillagoe Observatory

(A good idea to check on

the weather first to en-

sure cloud free viewing)


INTERESTING and EDUCATIONAL LINKS:

http://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2016/06/spring-loaded-to-

survive/

Rapid response to an emergency situation

http://airfactsjournal.com/2016/06/airframe-failure-not-just-v-tails/

Overstressing of airframes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEjdjn4LdkY&feature=youtu.be

Glider. Two idiots having fun (Don’t try this at home)

http://www.aviationwa.org.au/aircraft-photos-movements/australia-day-2016/

Aircraft photos. Australia Day 2016 at Jandakot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHR6bpupwJk&feature=youtu.be

The Prototype Double Ender

http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Ditching-Season-is-Upon-Us-226542-

1.html

Ditching Season is upon us.

http://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2016/07/out-in-africa/

Out of Africa, Close Calls. Altimeters.

https://www.facebook.com/crete2cape/

Vintage Air Rally Crete 2 Cape


Atherton Aero Club

AAC—2016 EVENTS CALENDAR

Aug Sunday 21st—Monthly BBQ at our Atherton Airfield facility

OTHER AVIATION EVENTS

Aug Saturday 6th—Ingham Fly-In & Ross Millard Memorial Service

Sunday 14th—Mackay Aero Club, Wings & Wheels Mackay

Sept Friday 30th Sept to Tues 4th Oct—Whitsunday Fly-In

Oct Thurs 6th to Sun 9th—Narromine Oz-Kosh

(Check the RAAus Web site for other Coming Events)

North Queensland Aero Club

NQAC—2016 EVENTS CALENDAR

First Friday of the Month—Evening Drinks & BBQ at Mareeba

Aug Saturday 6th—10am OzRunways Presentation by Neil Weste

Sunday 7th—Spot Landing Competition, Atherton


Wings & Wheels Mackay

14 August 2016


Club Shirt Order Form

Sizes available

Men’s (Half Chest Size) Ladies (Half Chest Size)

Small 52cm Size 8 46.5cm

Medium 55cm Size 10 49.0cm

Large 58cm Size 12 51.5cm

XLarge 62cm Size 14 54.0cm

XXLarge 65cm Size 16 56.5cm

XXXLarge 71cm Size 18 59.0cm

Children shirts available on request

Price per Shirt $35.00 Each

Name.................................................

Size...................................................

Qty....................................................

Payment required prior to Supply (No Returns)

Payment Details

Bank Bendigo Atherton

BSB:633 000 Account 114 33 1796

Please use your name as Reference

Documents

Newsletter No. 287 – June/July 2016athertonaeroclub.org/.../2016/...287-JuneJuly-2016.pdfJune/July 2016 No 287 The Atherton Aero lub is an organization of aviation enthusiasts who